Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Overview

Soft tissue sarcomas comprise a relatively rare group of sarcomas which occur in both children and adults and account for approximately one percent of all cancers. Most of the literature on this subject deals with the treatment of adults. Soft tissue sarcomas can occur on any part of the body, but the majority occur in a limb or in the abdomen. The soft tissues involved include fat and fibrous tissue. These cancers are usually treated with surgery and radiation therapy and are relatively insensitive to chemotherapy.

It is important to have accurate pre-treatment evaluation to determine the exact extent of tumor spread. Fully functional limb preservation without amputation is the main goal of treatment. Since soft tissue sarcomas are rare it is important that patients receive treatment in specialized centers with experience and treatment protocols. Treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach with involvement of surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, nurse specialists and rehabilitation experts.